Hotel Upholstery Fabrics and Fire Testing: BS 5852, Crib 5 and What to Ask

Hotel seating is fire-tested differently from curtains. In the UK the usual reference is BS 5852, which uses different ignition sources and Crib 5, and the result often depends on the whole composite rather than the fabric alone.

Source 0, Source 1 and Crib 5

BS 5852 covers ignition assessments of upholstered seating. Source 0, Source 1 and Crib 5 are different ignition levels. The project specification states which one is required for each area.

The composite matters

Results often depend on the combination of fabric, foam and interliner. A statement about the fabric alone is not a certified finished chair. Always ask whether the exact composite has been tested.

Other points to include in the specification

• End use and abrasion: the required abrasion and pilling performance.
• Ignition standard and exact composite: which standard, and which fabric, foam and interliner.
• Width, backing and finish: these affect the result and the cutting plan.
• Easy-clean needs: state them if hospitality cleaning is expected.
• Marine use: IMO FTP Code Parts 7 and 8/9 apply to different end uses, so the correct part and the specific approval must be checked.

What Atlas Contract supplies

Atlas Contract supplies contract upholstery including jacquards, chenilles, velvets, leather-look, easy-clean and high-abrasion options. Some qualities can meet BS 5852 Source 0/1, Crib 5 or IMO testing, subject to the exact construction and reports. This is not a collection-wide claim, so we confirm per article.

Send us the end use, the standard in your specification, the exact composite, quantity and destination, and we will confirm what we can support.